Schiff Urges Complete Restoration of Prevention Funds

Schiff Urges Complete Restoration of Prevention Funds

Governor Restores Funding but Timetable in Question

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Adam Schiff applauded the governor's decision to restore the Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) funding in his May revise. Previously, the governor had proposed a 75% cut to this essential funding. On Tuesday Congressman Schiff and Councilman Cardenas met with state officials in Sacramento to discuss the importance of the program and urge restoration of the funds

"I am pleased our meetings in Sacramento were successful and the governor has decided to restore this funding. A truly comprehensive approach to the juvenile crime problem must offer funding for prevention programs," said Schiff. "We can either pay now or pay later and paying now with prevention will save a ton of money and a lot of lives in the long run."

"I am concerned about the new timeline for JJCPA funding and I will work with my colleagues in Sacramento to reinstate the original system, so there is no gap in service for the many young people dependent on these programs."

In 2000, then State Senator Adam Schiff and then Assemblymember Tony Cardenas introduced landmark legislation to provide equal funding for juvenile justice prevention as is provided for the suppression of crime. JJCPA has been tremendously successful; Police agencies recognize that juvenile crime rates have declined as a result of the state allowing local control of programs and maintaining sufficient funding for JJCPA throughout the years.

Congressman Schiff has introduced a "Kids First" agenda of initiatives to improve education, safety, and health care for our children. He is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He represents California's 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.

http://schiff.house.gov/HoR/CA29/Newsroom/Press+Releases/2005/05-13-2005funds.htm